Pakistan Playing XI for PAK vs BAN Test: Naseem Shah Returns

Pakistan has announced its Test squad for the upcoming two-match home series against Bangladesh, with fast bowler Naseem Shah making his return after a 13-month absence. Saud Shakeel has been appointed as the vice-captain of the 17-member squad.

Pakistan Playing XI for PAK vs BAN Test

1. Abdullah Shafique
2. Saim Ayub
3. Shan Masood
4. Babar Azam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Mohammad Rizwan
7. Salman Ali Agha
8. Abrar Ahmed
9. Naseem Shah
10. Shaheen Shah Afridi
11. Mohammad Ali/Aamir Jamal

Pakistan Squad for for PAK vs BAN Tests

Shan Masood (captain)
Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
Aamir Jamal (subject to fitness)
Abdullah Shafique
Abrar Ahmed
Babar Azam
Kamran Ghulam
Khurram Shahzad
Mir Hamza
Mohammad Ali
Muhammad Hurraira
Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
Naseem Shah
Saim Ayub
Salman Ali Agha
Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper)
Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shan Masood will captain the team, with Saud Shakeel taking over as vice-captain from Shaheen Shah Afridi. This decision is part of the selectors’ strategy to manage Afridi’s workload during a period that includes nine Tests.

In addition to Naseem Shah, the selectors have called up batter Kamran Ghulam, fast bowler Mohammad Ali, and batter Muhammad Hurraira, rewarding them for their consistent performances in domestic cricket. However, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan, who were part of the squad that toured Australia earlier this year, have not been included this time. Additionally, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim are unavailable due to injuries. Aamir Jamal’s inclusion in the squad is subject to his fitness.

PAK vs BAN Test Schedule

The Bangladesh cricket team is set to arrive in Islamabad on August 17. The two Tests, which are part of the World Test Championship, will be held from August 21 to 25 in Rawalpindi and from August 30 to September 3 in Karachi.

The Pakistan cricket team will begin their training camp in Rawalpindi on August 11 under the guidance of head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood.